The Place Overview & Scrutiny Committee met on Wednesday 24 June 2026 to discuss plans for the future of bus services in Oxfordshire, a proposed flag-flying protocol, and the monitoring of the temporary congestion charge scheme. The committee also reviewed progress on previous recommendations and its forward work plan.

OxBUS 2040: Plan for Bus and Enhanced Partnership Plus

The committee was scheduled to consider the proposed approach, content, engagement, and consultation for the OxBUS 2040: Plan for Bus and the Enhanced Partnership Plus. This plan aims to improve bus transport and connectivity across Oxfordshire by 2040, replacing the previous Connecting Oxfordshire: Bus & Rapid Transit Strategy (2015-2031). The Enhanced Partnership Plus (EP+) will build on the existing Enhanced Partnership, introducing new legally binding commitments for both the County Council and local bus operators. The plan outlines a vision for a customer-centric bus network that is inclusive, accessible, modern, and environmentally friendly, with three key themes: improving connectivity and infrastructure, climate action, and the bus as a place shaper. Three priorities underpin these themes: better and safer journeys for all, seamless travel and integrated ticketing, and a clean, green bus network. The report detailed the proposed structure of the plan, including sections on vision, themes, priorities, buses in numbers, opportunities and challenges, delivering outcomes, and monitoring and evaluation. A roadmap for engagement and consultation was also presented, with a public consultation planned for September 2026 and adoption anticipated in November 2026. The council has identified £6 million of capital funding over three years from the Oxfordshire's Integrated Transport Fund to support EP+ measures.

Flag-Flying Protocol

A report was presented outlining a proposed Protocol for Flag Flying for Oxfordshire County Council. This protocol aims to establish a clear and consistent framework for displaying flags on Council buildings and land, ensuring compliance with legislation and national guidance while recognising the symbolic significance of flag flying. The protocol details arrangements for routine flag flying, including the use of existing flagpoles at County Hall, Midland House, and Speedwell House, as well as specific occasions for flying flags. It defines roles and responsibilities, delegating decision-making to the Director of Law and Governance and Monitoring Officer, with consultation processes in place. The protocol also provides operational guidance on flag use, positioning, compliance with planning regulations, and procedures for flying flags at half-mast. A structured process for considering one-off requests is included, with criteria to ensure requests align with Council values and avoid political or commercial use. The committee was invited to note the draft protocol and make any recommendations to the Cabinet.

Temporary Congestion Charge Scheme Monitoring Report

The committee was scheduled to consider a monitoring report on the Temporary Congestion Charge scheme. The report was expected to provide an update on traffic impacts, data transparency, and business effects. Public representations were also heard regarding these issues. The report highlighted that the scheme's primary purpose was to reduce congestion and improve safety, and that improvements in bus productivity had been delivered. Concerns were raised about the presentation and accessibility of congestion and traffic monitoring data, with requests for clearer, more longitudinal reporting. Impacts on specific areas, including outer routes and areas near hospitals, were discussed, along with evidence of traffic displacement. The committee was expected to discuss impacts on businesses, with concerns raised about delays in monitoring footfall and spend. The timing of the transition from the congestion charge to traffic filters was also on the agenda. The committee was expected to request specific actions, including a written response to questions posed by Oxford Business Action Group, a breakdown of customer engagement enquiries, and clearer, more contextualised presentation of congestion monitoring data in future reports. Recommendations to Cabinet were also scheduled, focusing on strengthening business monitoring, developing mitigations for areas experiencing increased congestion, and preparing contingency measures for the reopening of Botley Road and the implementation of traffic filters.

Committee Action and Recommendation Tracker

The committee was scheduled to note the progress of previous recommendations and actions arising from earlier meetings. This included updates on recommendations related to road safety, the repair of defects, Minerals and Waste Planning, School Streets, Bus Services and Rural Transport, the Temporary Congestion Charge Monitoring Report, and Illegal Waste Near Kidlington.

Committee Forward Work Plan

The committee was recommended to agree its work programme for forthcoming meetings. This included scheduled discussions on the Police and Crime Plan for Oxfordshire, Movement and Place Plans for West Oxfordshire Lowlands and Kidlington & Surrounding Villages, an update on the Transport Working Group's recommendations, the Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Cover Model, the Fire and Rescue Improvement Programme, Quiet Lanes Phase 1 Review, and the Infrastructure Funding Statement 2025/26 and s106 Improvement Programme Update. An additional meeting was also proposed for 21 October 2026.